Waiting times for tooth extraction in Forth Valley among lowest in Scotland

Waiting times for tooth extraction in the Forth Valley region are among the lowest in Scotland, according to new data revealed by Scottish Labour. Youngsters in Forth Valley are experiencing an average wait of approximately three months for teeth extractions, with children in the area having to wait around 12 weeks for dental surgery to have teeth pulled during the 2023/24 period, which is slightly longer than the 11 weeks reported in 2019/20. On the other hand, adults in the region had a shorter wait time of just eight weeks, down from 11 weeks in 2019/20.

The information was obtained through Freedom of Information requests to health boards across the country by Scottish Labour. Despite a rise in tooth extraction referrals due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the NHS Forth Valley has managed to maintain some of the lowest average waiting times for children in the country while reducing the average waiting times for adults by 30%. NHS Forth Valley stated, “Children and adults in need of urgent dental treatment, including tooth extractions, are prioritised and treated sooner than those requiring more routine care.”

Chris Kane, Stirling and Strathallan Labour MP, expressed satisfaction with the progress made by NHS Forth Valley in reducing waiting times, but voiced concerns over the slight increase in children’s waiting times. He highlighted the variations in waiting times across Scotland and stressed the importance of prioritising services for children and young people, seeking further clarification on the reasons for the rise in waiting times for children in Forth Valley.

Overall, the data reflecting improved waiting times for tooth extraction in NHS Forth Valley showcases positive steps towards providing timely dental care to the residents of the region, particularly for children and adults in need of urgent treatment.

In conclusion, the focus on reducing waiting times for tooth extractions in Forth Valley is commendable and reflects the commitment of NHS Forth Valley to provide efficient and timely dental care services to the community. While challenges remain, such as the increase in children’s waiting times, continued efforts to prioritise dental services for all age groups are essential for ensuring better oral health outcomes and patient satisfaction.